Taxes

Gov. John Kasich has long said Ohio needs to be competitive when it comes to taxes – it’s his argument for lowering and eventually eliminating the state income tax. With both tax cuts and tax increases in it, along with the expansion of Medicaid, Kasich’s second budget has generated both praise and controversy.

Neil Clark was the chief financial officer for the Ohio Senate Republican Caucus in the 80s, and is an expert on budgets and taxes. He doesn’t have much love for the plan to levy sales taxes on services where there were no sales taxes before.

January 30th was the start of tax season for many Americans, and IRS officials reminding tax-payers about credits and deductions to be aware of this season. For WYSO, Jerry Kenney reports.

Jennifer Jenkins with the IRS says several tax deductions got a two year extension during the latest so-called fiscal cliff deal. Among those getting a two year extension are the State and local sales tax itemized deduction for Schedule A [Form 1040] filers, and a Teacher-Educator Expense deduction.

An Ohio legislator thinks the state should offer taxpayers the option of getting their Ohio refunds on prepaid debit cards.

State Sen. Eric Kearney says his proposal could save the state money and benefit low-income residents who don't have bank accounts. The Cincinnati Democrat says the option would give them a safe and easy way to get their refunds, avoiding check-cashing fees.

A federal survey found that about 414,000 Ohio households didn't have a checking or savings account last year.

This election season the nation's eyes are on Ohio - and not just the presidential battlefront. They're also watching the hot contest between Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Josh Mandel. It's one of a handful races that could determine whether the Democrats hold onto their slim majority in the U.S. Senate. Like most campaigns the candidates are either short on details or sing only one song about what they'd do to fix things. That's particularly true on the issue of taxes. Bill Rice of Ohio Public Radio Station WCPN reports.

The Ohio Supreme Court will again have to decide whether a state tax, the commercial activities tax – also known as the CAT, that was created in 2005 can apply to a specific product.

The suit was filed by an excavating company, and it was joined by truckers, builders and contractors. Anthony Ehler said the constitution requires money from taxes on motor vehicle owners and operators go to roads. Since CAT revenues go to schools, local governments and the state general fund, Ehler said lawmakers couldn’t put the CAT on gasoline sales.